Study Shows Almost 50 Percent Of Pre-Schoolers Not Playing Outside

According to CNN, a research presented in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine suggests that nearly half of children from 3 to 5 years of age are not taken outdoors by a parent or caregiver on a daily basis. Researchers studied almost 9,000 pre-schoolers nationwide and asked their parents how often they take their children outside to play. Research showed that many children were not getting the recommended 60 minutes a day outdoors which prevents childhood obesity and helps improve motor skills.

“There is evidence that play – just sort of the act of playing – is important for children’s development of their social skills and their peer interactions,” said Dr. Pooja Tandon of Seattle Children’s Research Institute. “Being outdoors affords children an opportunity to play in ways that they may not get to when they’re indoors.”